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The Finance Commission 



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CITY OF BOSTON 



A Chronology of the Boston Public Schools 



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CITY OF BOSTON 

PRINTING DEPARTMENT 

1912 



The Finance Commissio 



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OF THE 



CITY OF BOSTON 



A Chronology of the Boston Public Schools 




CITY OF BOSTON 

PRINTING DEPARTMENT 

1912 



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APR 16 1912 



NOTE. 

This chronology originally was prepared for the 
Boston Finance Commission by George A. O. Ernst to 
assist in the preparation by the commission of its report 
upon the Boston Public Schools. 

It contains a reference to all statutes, whether general 
or special, which affect the Boston schools; and to a 
variety of matters which show how the schools have 
developed; It goes into greater detail as to the work of 
the last six years than as to that of the early j^ears 
because the present situation in the schools is the real 
purpose of the study, and the past is chiefly of value as 
it explains the present. Enough, however, is given to 
show the line of growth and the fact that there is hardly 
one of the great accomplishments of the present which 
has not proved its worth through a long persistent 
struggle. 

Thus the unification of the school system, fore- 
shadowed in 1830 by Chief Justice Shaw in his attempt 
to do away with the grotesque '^ double headed system"; 
urged by Horace Mann soon after the establishment of 
the State Board of Education in 1837; bitterly resisted 
for many years by m.embers of the School Committee, 
of the Primary School Committee and of the teaching 
force, is now almost universally accepted, and even its 
critics would be unwilling to go back to the old days of 
decentralization. 

Many subjects opposed at first as fads, frills and 
fancies have through their worth obtained permanent 
places in the school system. Drawing, ''permitted" in 
1827, an ''ornamental branch" in 1848, "compulsory" 
in 1870, is the foundation stone of our industrial schools. 
Sewing was taught as early as 1818, but in 1876 an 
opinion was obtained from the City Solicitor that 
spending the city's money for the purpose was illegal. 



It, however, met such a popular need that it was at 
once legahzed by the Legislature. Physical training, 
first recognized officially in 1833, has had to fight its 
way to full recognition, and in some of its forms is still 
regarded as a ''fad" or ''frill." 

The much discussed change from nine to eight grades 
in the elementary schools has sometimes been said to 
have been imported from a western city together with 
the present superintendent. As a matter of fact it had 
been favorably considered much earlier. In 1894 the 
experiment of parallel courses of seven and nine years 
(four and six years in the grammar schools) was tried. 
In 1900, two years before the present superintendent 
came to Boston as a supervisor, the School Committee, 
after a careful report and upon the favorable recom- 
mendation of the Board of Supervisors, instructed that 
Board to prepare a revised course of study providing 
for eight grades instead of nine. It was, however, not 
adopted until 1906. 

The great wrong to teachers and pupils of excessively 
large classes has long been felt. In 1880 (when the 
standard class was 56) it was pointed out that there 
were sometimes 70 pupils in a class, and the duty of the 
School Committee to reduce the number was forcibly 
urged; but not until 1900 (a delay of 20 years) was the 
standard reduced from 56 to 50. In 1906 this vital 
problem was taken up seriously, and the quota of pupils 
to teachers has since been steadily reduced to 44, and 
there are plans for a further reduction. 

These are typical instances of what may be found in 
the chronology, and show the purpose for which it was 
made, and the manner in which it is to be used. 



A CHRONOLOGY OF THE BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

Abbreviations: W. A. — - Wightman's Annals of the Primary Schools. 
S. D. — School Document. S. M. — School Minutes. 

1635. — Latin School, for boys only, established as the first public school 
in Boston. This was a year before the foundation of Harvard 
College and more than three years before that institution was 
opened. (S. D. 3 of 1905, p. 56.) It is probable that the 
elementary as well as the higher branches of education were 
taught, but its main purpose soon became the fitting of young 
men for college. (W. A., p. 1; S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 52; S. D. 3 of 
1903, p. 9.) 

1641. — The town voted that "Deare Island shall be improoved for the 
maintanance of a Free Schoole for the Towne" and in 1649 
Long and Spectacle Islands were leased, the rental to be for 
the use of the school. (W. A., p. 2.) 

1642. — Selectmen required by law to " have a vigilant eye over their 
brethren and neighbors; to see that none of them shall suffer 
so much barbarism in any of their families as not to endeavor 
to teach their children and apprentices so much learning as 
may enable them perfectly to read the English tongue and 
obtain a knowledge of the capital laws." (Laws and Liberties, 
p. 16; S. D. 25 of 1880, p. 3.) 

1647. — Every township of 50 householders required to appoint a teacher 
of children "to write and read," and of 100 householders to 
"set up a grammar schoole the master thereof being able to 
instruct youth so farr as they may be fitted for the university." 
(S. D. 25 of 1880, p. 4.) 

1682. — Schools established under vote at town meeting held December 
18, 1682, "for the teachinge of children to write and Cypher" 
under writing masters (S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 34), open to boys 
only; "the beginning of the common schools in Boston." 
(S. D.- 3 of 1903, p. 14.) 

1683. — Every town of 500 families or householders required to "set up 
and maintain two grammar schools and two writing schools." 
(Colonial Laws, p. 305.) 

1692. — Province Laws require towns of 50 householders to provide "a 
schoolmaster to teach children and youth to read and write," 
and of 100 householders a grammar school to be conducted by 
a "discreet person of good conversation well instructed in the 
tongues." (Prov. Laws, 1692-93, Chap. 26.) 

1701. — Grammar masters to be approved by ministers by certificate 
under their hands. (Prov. Laws 1701-2, Chap. 10.) 



6 

1740. — Grammar masters as distinguished from writing masters appointed 
in Boston to teach reading, grammar, geography and other 
higher studies, beginning the "double-headed system" of 
divided authority between writing masters and grammar 
masters. The children in each school were divided into two 
parts, the one attending in the forenoon in the grammar master's 
room, which was usually upstairs, and in the afternoon in the 
writing master's room, which was usually downstairs; while the 
other part attended in the reverse order. (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 15.) 

1751. — A committee reported to the town that "the charge of supporting 
the several Publick Schools amounted the last year to more 
than one-third ]iart of the whole sum drawn for by the select- 
men." (S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 37.) 

1762. — The town voted that the treasurer be directed to borrow 1,500 
pounds for the payment of the schoolmasters' salaries then due 
(S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 38), an early instance of the payment of 
current expenses from loans. 

1789. — Every town or district of 50, 100 or 150 householders required to 
provide schoolmasters of good morals for varying school terms 
"to teach children to read & write & to instruct them in the 
english language as well as in arithmetic, orthography and 
decent behavior," and of 200 families or householders to pro- 
vide "a grammar schoolmaster of good morals well instructed 
in the latin, greek and english languages," no youth to be 
sent to such schools, without permission from the Selectmen, 
"unless they shall have learned in some other school or in some 
other way to read the english language by spelling the same." 
(Acts of 1789, Chap. 19.) 
School Committee chosen, consisting of Selectmen and one member 

from each ward. (W. A., p. 7; S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 7.) 
Girls first admitted to the Boston public schools, but only from 
20th April to 20th October in each year. "This was doubtless 
because many of the boys had work to do in the summer season, 
and so left room in the schools for the girls." (S. D. 3 of 1903, 
p. 14.) There was a thorough reorganization of the school 
system; the age limit of admission to the reading and writing 
schools was fixed at seven, pupils to be allowed to continue 
until the age of fourteen. (S. D. 18 of 1888, p 39.) 

1793. — Franklin medals to boys only first awarded, though dated 1792. 
(W. A., p. 8.) 

1812. — Appropriation "towards maintaining a school for African chil- 
dren." Prior to this time, colored children who so desired 
attended white schools. (City Doc. 23 of 1S46, p. 15.) 

1816. — Sunday schools (private) first established in Boston, the object 

being to teach children to read and write as well as to give re- 

,ligious instruction. This brought out the fact that a large 

proportion of children could neither read nor write, and to them 

therefore under the law of 1789, quoted above, the doors of the 



public schools were shut. This was one of the causes which 
led to the establishment of primary schools. (W. A., p. 12; 
S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 13.) 

1818. — Primary schools first estabhshed in Boston although opposed by 
the Selectmen and School Committee (W. A., p. 35), for chil- 
dren between four and seven years of age under a Primary School 
Committee of 36 members appointed by, but with authority 
independent of, the regular School Committee (W. A., p. 72); 
the origin of the distinction long recognized between primary 
and grammar schools (S. D. 3 of 1902, p. 45) which was not 
until 1906 wholly abandoned. (S. D. 9 of 1906, p. 28.) In 
these schools the girls were taught knitting or sewing. (W. A., 
p. 44.) 

1820. — First "intermediate school " established for illiterate children over 
seven years of age, who were too old to be admitted to the 
primary schools, and under the law of 1789, because of their 
illiteracy, could not be admitted to the grammar schools. Inves- 
tigation showed that there were a large number of such chil- 
dren. (W. A., p. 53.) 

1821.^ English Classical (now High) School estabhshed for boys who 
were to be prepared not for the university but for various 
mercantile and mechanical pursuits. In later years it has 
become important as a fitting school for the higher institutions, 
like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard 
College. (S. D. 3 of 1903, pp. 39, 42.) 
City medals for girls instituted as an offset to the Franklin medals 
for boys; abolished in 1847; restored in 1848; but finally given 
up, and diplomas substituted. (S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 42.) 

1822. — Under the city charter a school committee established consisting 
of the Mayor, aldermen and one member elected from each 
ward, 25 members in all. (Acts of 1821, Chap. 110.) 

1826. — High School for Girls established, but the number of girls applying 
was so great that it was given up in 1828; in other words, it 
was too successful. (S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 47; S. D. 3 of 1903, 
p. 43.) 
Text-books required by law to be furnished to pupils "at such 
prices as merely to reimburse to the town the expense of pro- 
curing the same"; free to those unable to pay. Teachers must 
obtain from School Committee a certificate of fitness to 
instruct. (Acts of 1825-26, Chap. 170.) 

1827. — In addition to studies previously required, towns of 500 families 
required to provide a master competent to teach history of the 
United States, book-keeping by single entry, geometry, sur- 
veying and algebra, and where there were 4,000 inhabitants 
general history, rhetoric and logic. No books to be used or 
purchased "calculated to fav6r any particular religious sect or 
tenet." Provision as to teachers' certificate of qualifications. 
(Acts of 1826-27, Chap. 143.) 



1827. — Drawing introduced as a "permitted" subject in the English High 
School. (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 97.) 

1828. — High School for Girls discontinued, but girls admitted to grammar 
and writing schools throughout the year. (S. D. 18 of 1888, 
p. 48.) 

1830. — "Infant Schools," forerunners of the kindergarten, having been 
established by private societies and individuals, were consid- 
ered adversely by the Primary School Committee. (W. A., 
p. 123; S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 30.) 

Chief Justice Shaw, then a member of the School Committee, 
attacked the "double-headed system" and urged the "single- 
headed system" (the supremacy of the grammar masters), but 
without immediate effect, the change (although tried in 1836 
in two schools) not being permanently adopted until 1847. 
"With all the sound arguments of reason and experience on its 
side, a campaign of no less than seventeen years was necessary 
to bring its merit into general recognition. Like many another 
school reform it was seen to be inimical to what the school- 
masters (i. e., the writing masters) were pleased to regard as 
their vested rights and interests." (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 16.) 

Chief Justice Shaw also advocated, but more successfully, the 
education of the sexes in separate school buildings. This is the 
origin of separate schools in the older parts of Boston. (S. D. 
3 of 1903, p. 18.) 

Attempt to introduce music as a regular study in the public 
schools. (S. D. 15 of 1888, p. 3.) • 

1833. — Interesting exhibition of conservatism in resisting introduction 
into the primary schools of books, maps, globes, or anything 
■ outside the established curriculum, the Board refusing not on 
sanitary grounds but from pure conservatism a request of a 
member to introduce experimentally at his own expense a black- 
board, slates and pencils. (W. A., p. 136 et seq.) Public senti- 
ment was strongly in favor of the innovations and the Board 
later provided slates and pencils. (VV. A., p. 149.) Black- 
boards were also subsequently provided, and there was a gradual 
increase in educational helps. (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 30.) 
First official action as to physical education in primary schools. 

(S D. 22 of 1891, p. 26; W. A., p. 149.) 
Children over eight years of age admitted into the grammar 
schools, although not qualified by their attainments, provided 
their parents or guardians obtained permission of the sub-com- 
mittee in charge. (W. A., p. 148.) 

1834. — Act reorganizing School Committee to consist of Mayor and 
twenty members elected at large, ten each year for two years 
(Acts of 1834, Chap. 158), not accepted by the people. 

1835. — School Committee reorganized, to con.sist of Mayor, president of 
Common Council, and two members elected from each ward, 26 
members in all. (Acts of 1835, Chap. 128.) 



1835. — Sewing, which had been taught in primary schools, authorized in 
writing schools. (S. D. 24 of 1881, p. 3; S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 72.) 

1836. — Drawing made "obligatory" in the EngHsh High School, but no 
teacher of drawing appointed until 1853. (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 97.) 

1837.— State Board of Education established (Acts of 1837, Chap. 241), 
and Horace Mann elected Secretary. (S. D. 18 of 1888, 
p. 26.) 

1838. — Beginning of the controversies (W. A., p. 175) which ended with 
the abolition of the Primary School Committee in 1855. (W. A., 
p. 259.) The Primary Board in principle and practice was in 
direct antagonism {id., p. 277) to the doctrine of centralization 
advocated by Horace Mann, who urged making the educational 
system a "unit" and placing it under the supervision of a Super- 
intendent of Public Schools ((id., p. 266). The primary system 
was an extreme illustration of decentralization, each primary 
teacher with her school being an independent entity. (S. D. 3 
of 1902, p. 45.) 

School Committees to make annual reports; and to select and 
make contracts with teachers. (Acts of 1838, Chap. 105.) 

City Council passed order authorizing the Primary School Com- 
mittee to admit children over seven who were not qualified for 
admission to the grammar schools; development of "Inter- 
mediate Schools." (W. A., p. 173; see also id., p. 55.) 

Music (singing) introduced into schools. (S. D. 15 of 1888, p. 4; 
S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 89.) 

1841.— Brighton High School established. (S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 50.) 

1844. — School Committee authorized to dismiss any teacher from the 
service, compensation thereupon immediately to cease. (Acts 
of 1844, Chap. 32.) 
Bitter attack upon Horace Mann and his famous "Seventh 
Report" by "31 Boston Grammar Masters." (Martin's Evolu- 
tion of the Massachusetts Public School System, p. 181. For 
titles of pamphlets in the controversy which followed see Bar- 
nard's Journal of Education, Vol. 5, p. 651.) 

1845. — - Severe comment by Committee on Examinations upon examina- 
tion papers written by grammar pupils of this year. (City 
Doc. 26 of 1845.) 

Colored citizens petition for the abolition of special schools for 
colored children — majority and minority reports thereon. 
(City Doc. 23 of 1846.) Primary School Committee voted 
against the change. (W. A., pp. 209, 214.) 

Primary School Committee voted, 46 to 18, against establishing 
position of Superintendent. (W. A., p. 211.) 

1847. — Appropriation of money authorized for schools to teach "adults 
reading, writing, English grammar, arithmetic and geography." 
(Acts of 1847, Chap. 137.) 



10 

1847. — John D. Philbrick appointed master of the Quincy School, a 
substantial victory of the "single-headed system," which in a 
few years thereafter became universal in Boston, the writing 
master gradually disappearing, authority being given to the 
grammar master, an important step towards unification. As 
an illustration of the difficulty of dispensing with superfluous 
employees it may be noted that one of the writing masters 
drew pay until his death in 1877, at the age of 96, although for 
many years he rendered no service, but was annually appointed 
as an "assistant teacher." (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 17; S. M. of 
1876, p. 200.) 
Report of committee in favor of free text-books to all pupils. 
(Doc. 38 of 1847.) 

1848. — Drawing placed on the list of grammar school studies, but treated 
as an "ornamental branch," and httle done with it until 1871. 
(S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 97.) 
Charlestown High School established. (S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 50.) 

1849.— Eliot (now West Roxbury) High School established. (S. D. 18 
of 1888, p. 50.) 

1850. — Public schools to be supplied with dictionaries at state expense. 

(Resolves of 1850, Chap. 99.) 
Physiology and hygiene authorized to be taught in the public 

schools and all teachers required to be examined thereon. (Acts 

of 1850, Chap. 229.) 
First truant law enacted in Massachusetts for children between 

six and fifteen years of age. (Acts of 1850, Chap. 294.) (For 

subsequent truant legislation see S. D. 25 of 1880.) 

1851. — Office of Superintendent established; Nathan Bishop elected as 
first Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools; held office 
until 1856. (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 58; W. A., p. 266 et seq.) 

1852. — Compulsory school age to be " between the ages of eight and 

fourteen years." (Acts of 1852, Chap. 240.) 
Normal School established for the purpose of preparing young 

women to become teachers. (S. D.4 of 1895, p. 297.) 
Roxbury High School and Dorchester High School established. 

(S. D. 18 of 1888, pp. 48 and 50.) 

1853. — Rule established that "every scholar shall have daily in the fore- 
noon and afternoon some kind of physical or gymnastic exercise." 
(S. D. 22 of 1891, p. 27.) 

1854. — School Committee reorganized to consist of Mayor, president 
of Common Council, and six elected from each ward, in all 
74 members. (Acts of 1854, Chap. 448, Sect. 53.) 

General law authorizing cities and towns to establish position 
of Superintendent of Schools. (Acts of 1854, Chap. 314.) 
Boston had already appointed a Superintendent in 1851. 

High School courses for girls introduced in the Normal School 
and name changed to the Girls' High and Normal School. 
(S. D. 4 of 1895, p. 297.) 



11 

1854.— High School for Girls established in Roxbury. (S. D. 18 of 1888, 
p. 49.) 
Sewing, heretofore "authorized," now required to be taught in 
4th class of the Grammar Schools for Girls. (S. D. 24 of 1881, 
p. 4.) 

1855. — Primary School Committee (established in 1818), which had 
grown to 196 members, abolished (by the charter amendments 
of 1854) and jurisdiction over the primary schools transferred 
to regular School Committee, but the distinction between 
primary and grammar schools and the independence of primary 
schools, through primary sub-committees, continued. (W. A., 
p. 264; S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 29; S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 34 et seq.) 

Cities and towns authorized to furnish school books and stationery 
at their own expense. (Acts of 1855, Chap. 436 — repealed in 
1857; Acts of 1857, Chap. 206.) 

Daily reading of some portion of the Bible in the common English 
version required. (Acts of 1855, Chap. 410.) 

Distinction on account of race, color or religion in admission to 
public schools forbidden. (Acts of 1855, Chap. 256.) 

Amendment to the Constitution forbidding school moneys to 
be appropriated for sectarian schools. (Article XVIII.) 

Compulsory vaccination law. (Acts of 1855, Chap. 414.) 

1856. — John D. Philbrick elected Superintendent; continued in office 
except for a bnief interval until 1878. (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 19.) 

1857. — Schools for persons over fifteen years of age authorized, to be 
held either in the day or evening, the School Committee to 
determine subjects to be taught. (Acts of 1857, Chap. 189.) 

Teachers must be competent to teach (in addition to previously 
required studies) algebra and the history of the United States 
in towns of 50 or more families; natural philosophy, chemistry, 
botany, and civil polity of the Commonwealth and the 
United States, in towns of 500 families; and French, 
astronomy, geology, intellectual and moral science, and political 
economy in towns of 4,000 inhabitants. (Acts of 1857, Chap. 
206.) 

Children between the ages of five and fifteen years entitled to 
attend school where they reside, but nonresident parent or 
guardian must pay for the tuition a sum equal to the average 
expense per scholar for such school. (Acts of 1857, Chap. 132.) 

Superintendent Philbrick recommended classification in primary 
schools, and that each pupil be supplied with a single desk and 
chair, and also with a slate; adopted and carried into effect. 
Prior to this, each primary teacher had charge of six classes, and 
carried the pupils under her care through the whole preparation 
for the grammar school. (S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 30.) 

1858. — Standing Committee on Music established, and special instructors 
appointed. (For history of music in the schools see School Com- 
mittee Report of 1858, p. 45; S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 89.) " 



12 

1859. — School books to be furnished to scholars at net cost; when a change 
is made the School Committee shall furnish the substituted 
book to each pupil requiring it at the expense of the city or 
town. (Acts of 1859, Chap. 93.) 
School Committees to select and contract with teachers; require 
satisfactory evidence of the good moral character of all instruct- 
ors, and ascertain by personal examination their qualifications 
for teaching and capacity for the government of schools. (Acts 
of 1859, Chap. 60; see Rev. St., Chap. 23, Sect. 13; Acts of 
1838, Chap. 105.) 

1860. — Special committee appointed to consider the subject of physical 
training. (S. D. 7 of 1890, p. 24.) 

1861. — Minimum age of admission to primary schools raised from four 
to five years. (S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 31.) 
Roxbury High Schools for boys and girls united into single school. 
(S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 49.) 

1862. — Agriculture authorized to be taught by lectures or otherwise in 
the pubhc schools. (Acts of 1862, Chap. 7.) 
Bible to be read daily without note or comment; no scholar to be 
required to read from any particular version whose parent or guar- 
dian declares he has conscientious scruples against it; no school 
book to be purchased or used calculated to favor the tenets of 
anj^ particular sect of Clii-istians. (Acts of 1862, Chap. 57.) 

1863. — State Board of Education directed by Legislature to report con- 
cerning the introduction in schools of military drill. (Resolves 
of 1863, Chap. 66.) 

1864. — Military drill introduced, although the Legislature refused to pass 
bills authorizing it. (S. D. 22 of 1891, p. 41.) 
Instruction in physical culture introduced under orders passed 
by the School Committee which have been called the "great 
charter of Physical Training in the Boston schools." (S. D. 
18of 1888, p. 76; S. D. 22 of 1891, p. 43.) The latter document 
contains an elaborate study of physical training and of its 
history in Boston. 

1866. — Masters of grammar schools given duties of principal, both in 
the grammar and primary schools of their respective districts. 
This attempt at unification met with opposition from some of 
the masters who were "incompetent or unwilling to exercise 
a helpful control over the methods of primary teaching"; and 
from many of the teachers who "were slow to co-operate either 
with the master or with each other." It continued until 1879, 
when jurisdiction over primary schools was temporarily taken 
away from the grammar masters but restored in 1882. (S. D. 
18 of 1888, p. 31; see also S. D. 3 of 1902, p. 45.) 

1867.— Schools for licensed minors estabhshed. (S. D. 19 of 1885, p. 22.) 
Corporal punishment considered. (Annual Report of 1868, p. 197; 
see also S. M. of 1902, p. 501; S. D. 14 of 1903, p. 6.) 

1868. — First regular appropriation in Boston for evening schools, under 
authority of Acts of 1857, Chap. 189, a delay of eleven years. 
(S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 72.) 



13 

1868. — Roxbury annexed and schools taken over, including Roxbury 
High School. (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 50.) 

Diplomas first awarded to graduates. (S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 43.) 
1869.— Evening High School first opened. (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 73.) 

Horace Mann School for the Deaf first opened. (S. D. 3 of 1903, 
p. 66.) 
1870. — Teaching drawing in public schools and free instruction in indus- 
trial or mechanical drawing to persons over fifteen years of age 
in day or evening schools made compulsory in towns or cities 
having more than 10,000 inhabitants. (Acts of 1870, Chap. 248. ) 

Free Evening Industrial Drawing School first opened. (S. D. 3 
of 1903, p. 75; S. D. 3 of 1905.) 

Dorchester annexed and schools taken over, including Dorchester 
High School. (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 50.) 

First kindergarten established, believed to be the first public free 
kindergarten in the world. (S. D. 2 of 1888, p. 18.) 

Change from four grammar grades to six, making with three 
primary grades nine grades below the high schools; beginning 
of the nine-grade system in Boston. (S. D. 3 of 1904, p. 49.) 
1871. — Drawing first taken seriously in the schools through the move- 
ment for industrial art education. (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 97.) 
1872. — Industrial schools authorized; the School Committee to " prescribe 
the arts, trades and occupations to be taught," and to have the 
management thereof. (Acts of 1872, Chap. 86.) 

Normal School and Girls' High School separated and each estab- 
lished as an independent institution. '(S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 48.) 
1873. Truant officers first placed under authority of School Committee. 
(Acts of 1873, Chap. 262.) 

Age of compulsoiy attendance decreased from fourteen to twelve 
years, but term of schooling lengthened. (Acts of 1873, Chap. 
279.) 

School books may be loaned to pupils. (Acts of 1873, Chap. 106.) 
1874. — Age limit restored from twelve to fourteen years for compulsory 
attendance at school. (Acts of 1874, Chap. 233.) 

Charlestown, Brighton and West Roxbury annexed and schools 
taken over, including high schools. (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 50.) 

The legality of using the city's money for the Normal School 
having been questioned (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 59), its estabhshment 
was legalized by the Legislature. (Acts of 1874, Chap. 167.) 
1875. — School Committee, having by annexation and the city's growth 
increased to 116 members, was reorganized and the number 
reduced to 25 (beginning January, 1876), to consist of the Mayor 
and 24 members elected at large in groups of 8 each, serving 
three years. (Acts of 1875, Chap. 241; S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 8.) 

Power given School Committee to appoint janitors. (Acts of 
1875, Chap. 241.) 

Power given School Committee to decide as to necessity and loca- 
tion of school buildings and alterations costing over $1,000, 
but appropriations to be made by and work done through City 
Council. (Acts of 1875, Chap. 241.) 



14 

1875. — School Committee to elect a Superintendent and Board of not 
exceeding six Supervisors for terms of two years, a Secretary 
and Auditing Clerk. (Acts of 1875, Chap. 241.) 
1876. — Under the new School Committee, the rules and regulations 
were revised, and a large apparent power was given to the 
Superintendent and Supervisors, but real power was retained 
in sub-committees. (Rules and Regulations of 1876; S. D. 
18 of 1888, p. 30; S. D. 4 of 1896, p. 85.) 

The fitness of candidates for the teaching force was, under the 
rules, to be determined by examinations to be held by the 
Supervisors by whom "Certificates of Qualification" were to be 
granted. (Rules and Regulations of 1876; S. D. 5 of 1889, p. 25.) 

Law as to change of text-books amended to require a two-thirds 
vote of the entire committee. (Acts of 1876, Chap. 47.) 

City Solicitor having ruled that the city's money could not legally 
be spent in the teaching of sewing (S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 73) 
(although it had been taught for many years), it was legalized 
by the Legislature. (Acts of 1876, Chap. 3.) 

Establishing office of Medical Inspector of Schools considered, 
but City Solicitor advised that the committee had no legal 
right to spend money for the purpose. (S. M. of 1876, p. 214; 
S. M. of 1877, p. 51; S. D. 20 of 1889, p. 5.) 
1877. — School Committee incorporated with authority to hold property in 
trust. (Acts of 1877, Chap. 53.) 

A truant officer with the title of Superintendent of Licensed Minors 
assigned to schools for licensed minors. (S. D. 19 of 1885, p. 22.) 
1878.— Samuel Eliot elected Superintendent. (S. M. of 1878, p. 12.) 
Remained in office until 1880. 

East Boston High School estabfished. (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 52.) 

Girls' Latin School established for the express purpose of fitting 
girls for college. (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 53.) 

Stationery may be supplied free. (Acts of 1878, Chap. 23.) 

Nautical schools authorized by law. (Acts of 1878, Chap. 159.) 
1879. — Supervision of primary schools taken from grammar masters and 
placed in charge of Supervisors. (S. D. 10 of 1879; S. D. 4 of 
1880, pp. 3, 62; S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 31.) 

Elaborate reports on proposed revision of the school system. 
(S. D. 4 to 12 of 1879.) 

Report on Industrial Education, with especial reference to the 
establishment of a Free Industrial Institute for the education 
of mechanics, consisting of a developing school and school 
shops, recommending its establishment. (S. D. 25 of 1879.) 

Kindergarten and intermediate schools discontinued. (S. D. 30 
of 1879, p. 9.) 

Pensions for teachers suggested tentatively. (S. D. 30 of 1879, 
p. 37; see also S. D. 5 of 1880, p. 6; S. D. 10 of 1880.) 

Women authorized to vote for School Committee. (Acts of 1879, 
Chap. 223.) 
1880. — Law amended so that no pupil shall be required to take any 
personal part in reading the Bible whose parent or guardian 
informs the teacher that he has conscientious scruples against 
it. (Acts of 1880, Chap. 176.) 



15 

1880. — Committee on primary school instruction reported as to excessive 
number of children in various classes, sometimes as high as 
seventy, and said "forty children are all that one woman can 
attend to properly," adding that it is "the first duty of the 
Board to remedy this great wrong." (S. D. 1 of 1880, p. 5.) 
At this time fifty-six pupils to a teacher was the standard, 
with thirty-five in ungraded classes. (Rules and Regulations 
for 1879, section 216.) 

City Sohcitor having ruled (S. M. of 1880, p. 122) that an In- 
structor in Hygiene might be appointed, but that he could not 
have duties of medical inspector, a controversy in the com- 
mittee arose and not until 1885 was the position filled. (S. D. 
20 of 1889.) 

Report of Committee on Truant Officers giving an historical 
sketch of this branch of the school system. (S. D. 25 of 1880.) 

Edwin P. Seaver elected Superintendent; remained in office for 
twenty-four years, until 1904. (S. D. 27 of 1880, p. 12; S. M. 
of 1880, p. 201; S. M. of 1904, p. 302.) In his first annual 
report he urged "a unity of purpose and a unity of method 
which come only from proper supervision" and "efficient co- 
operation." (S. D. 5 of 1881, p. 13.) 

1881. — Calisthenics, gymnastics and miUtary drill authorized by statute, 
and prior action of school committees in causing them to be 
taught ratified and confirmed. This legalized what had long 
been done in Boston. (Acts of 1881, Chap. 193.) 

Movement to abolish suburban high schools; majority and minority 
reports thereon; failed because of public protest. (S. D. 8 of 
1881; S. D. 26 of 1881, p. 11; S. M. of 1881, p. 132.) 

A system of supplementary reading introduced. (S. D. 7 of 1881; 
S. D. 4 of 1882, p. 51; S. D. 3 of 1902, p. 36.) 

Experiment in industrial instruction through a "carpenter's 
class" in the Dwight School. (S. D. 15 of 1882; S. D. 4 of 
1883, p. 39.) 

Historical account of sewing in the schools. (S. D. 24 of 1881, 
p. 8.) 

1882. — Supervision of primary schools taken from the Supervisors and 
restored to grammar masters, the value of unification being 
now more fully recognized. (S. D. 2 of 1882; S. D. 4 of 
1882, p. 18; S. D. 21 of 1882, p. 17; S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 37.) 
The City Sohcitor having ruled that the city could not legally 
pro\dde instruction in the Normal School for the benefit of 
teachers in the service of the city (S. D. 4 of 1882, p. 46), the 
Legislature gave authority. (Acts of 1882, Chap. 136.) 

1883. — Evening schools compulsory in towns and cities of 10,000 or more 
inhabitants "for the instruction of persons over 12 years of age in 
orthography, reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, drawing, 
history of the United States, and good behavior," and such other 
subjects as the School Committee shall deem expedient. (Acts 
of 1883, Chap. 174.) 



16 

1883.— Importance of industrial education discussed by Superintendent 
Seaver, outlining a central school which later was realized in the 
Mechanic Arts High School. A Committee on Industrial Educa- 
tion reported in favor of manual training as a part of the course 
of instruction in the public schools. At this early day the 
modern distinction between manual training and industrial 
education does not appear to have been accepted. (S. D. 4 of 

1883, p. 34; S. D. 19 of 1883; S. D. 15 of 1889; S. D. IS of 1897, 
p. 33; S. D. 4 of 1901, p. 34.) 

1884. — Text-books and other school supplies required to be furnished 
free to all pupils. (Acts of 1884, Chap. 103; S. D. 19 of 1884, 
p. 12.) 

Manual training first introduced, under provisions of Acts of 1884, 
Chap. 69, authorizing instruction in the "elementary use of 
hand tools" which were to be bought and loaned free to pupils. 
Rooms in the basement of the Latin School building were fitted 
with tools and benches, and a class of 200 boys from the 
grammar schools was taught carpentry and cabinet making. 
(S. D. 19 of 1884, p. 18.) 

Pupils forbidden to attend public schools while or within two 
weeks after any member of the household is sick of small-pox, 
diphtheria, or scarlet fever. (Acts of 1884, Chap. 64; see also 
Acts of 1885, Chap. 198.) 

Permanent corps of substitute teachers suggested. (S. D. 4 of 

1884, p. 12; see also S. D. 4 of 1895, p. 84.) 

Movement to reduce number of Supervisors from six to four 
unsuccessful. (S. D. 3 of 1884; S. M. of 1884, p. 53.) 

Rules amended to increase the executive powers of the Superin- 
tendent. (S. M. of 1884, p. 171.) 

1885. — Mayor no longer a member of the School Committee, but he is 
given a qualified veto on orders, resolutions or votes of the 
School Committee involving the expenditure of money. (Acts 
of 1885, Chap. 266, Sect. 10.) 
Teaching of physiology and hygiene, including effect of alcoholic 
drinks, etc., made compulSbry in the public schools. (Acts of 

1885, Chap. 332.) 

Office of Instructor in Hygiene established. (S. M. of 1885, pp. 
116, 146; S. D. 8 of 1886; S. D. 20 of 1889.) 

State granted land on Newbury street to city for Horace Mann 
School for the Deaf. (Acts of 1885, Chap. 201.) New building 
erected thereon and opened in 1890. (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 67.) 

School Committee authorized to provide at expense of the city 
apparatus, books of reference and other means of illustration. 
(Acts of 1885, Chap. 161.) 

The City Solicitor having ruled that attendance could not be 
required outside the regular schools, permission was granted to 
children from the Eliot and Hancock schools, whose parents or 
guardians so request, to attend on .probation the North End 
Industrial Home two hours a week for manual training (S. D. 
3 of 1885; S. M. of 1885, p. 90), and girls from Winthrop, 



17 

Franklin, Everett, Hyde and Wells schools authorized to attend 
the Tennyson street school of cookery. (S. D. 19 of 1885, 
p. 28.) 
1885. — Schools for licensed minors discontinued, and position of Super- 
intendent of Licensed Minors abolished, pupils being transferred 
to ungraded classes. (S. D. 19 of 1885, p. 23.) 

1886. — First schools of cookery opened at city's expense. (S. M. of 1886, 
pp. 124, 184; S. D. 4 of 1895, p. 281; S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 107.) 

Parental School for truants authorized (Acts of 1886, Chap. 282), 
but in spite of repeated requests from School Committee not 
estabhshed by City Council until 1895 (S. D. 23 of 1890, p. 38; 
S. D. 20 of 1891; S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 85), truants in the mean- 
while being sent to Deer Island. (S. D. 4 of 1885, p. 67.) 

Election of teachers on tenure authorized. (Acts of 1886, Chap. 
313.) Adopted in Boston in 1889. (S. M. of 1889, pp. 67, 77.) 

Evening high school required by law to be established in cities 
of 50,000 inhabitants if requested by 50 qualified residents. 
(Acts of 1886, Chap. 236.) 

1887. — Interesting account of the history of vacations, holidays, etc., in 
the schools of Boston. (S. D. 17 of 1887, p. 27.) 

1888. — Kindergartens for children 31 years old again taken into the school 
system. (S. D. 18 of 1888, p. 10.) 
Course in Normal School extended to 1^ years. (S. M. of 1888, 

p. 245.) 
Suggested reduction of pupils, from 56 to 40, in first class of 
grammar schools defeated. (S. M. of 1888, p. 192.) 

1889. — Compulsory attendance law amended so that poverty is no longer 
an excuse for absence from school, and all exceptions repealed 
other than that the child shall have attended for the required 
period a private day school approved by the School Committee, 
or has been otherwise instructed, or has already acquired the 
required learning, or if his physical or mental condition renders 
attendance inexpedient or impracticable. (Acts of 1889, Chap. 
464.) 

Truant officers authorized to apprehend without a warrant and 
take to school any truant. (Acts of 1889, Chap. 422.) 

Power of School Committee over location, erection and repairs 
of school buildings enlarged, but appropriations still left with 
City Council. (Acts of 1889, Chap. 297.) 

Janitors, engineers and all persons having charge of steam boilers 
and furnaces in the school buildings placed under the Civil 
Service law. (Acts of 1889, Chap. 352.) 

EstabUshment of a Mechanic Arts High School advocated and plan 
formulated by Superintendent Seaver. (S. D. 5 of 1889, p. 19.) 

Boston Teachers' Mutual Benefit Association orgariized. (S. D. 
4 of 1895, p. 73.) 

Majority and minority reports on Instruction in Hygiene. (S. D. 
20 of 1889.) Report of the Board of Supervisors on Physical 
Training. (S. D. 10 of 1889.) 



18 

1890. — School Committee authorized to erect and furnish new school 

buildings from loans not to exceed $550,000. (Acts of 1890, 

Chap. 355.) 
Last regular session prior to Memorial Day to be devoted to 

exercises of a patriotic nature. (Acts of 1890, Chap. 111.) 
Horace Mann School for Deaf transferred to new buUding on 

Newbury street. (S. D. 24 of 1890.) 
Attempt to reduce quota of pupils to 49 in grammar and primary 

schools defeated. (S. M. of 1890, p. 105.) 
Office of Instructor in Hygiene aboHshed and Director of Physical 

Training established. (S. M. of 1890, pp. 45, 210.) 
Interesting majority and minority reports on coeducation of the 

sexes. (S. D. 19 of 1890.) 
Plan of having no recess, and dismissing the morning session at 

20 minutes before twelve tried in various schools (S. D. 7 of 

1890, p. 27), but later given up (S. D. 12 of 1891, p. 22). 
Leave of absence of one year on half pay authorized for teachers 

after every ninth year of service. (S. M. of 1890, pp. 227, 233.) 

Discontinued in 1895. (S. M. of 1895, pp. 250, 315.) 
1891. — Compulsory age limit increased to 15 in cities or towns where 

opportunity is furnished for gratuitous instruction in the use of 

tools or in manual training, or for industrial education in any 

form. (Acts of 1891, Chap. 361.) 
School Committee assented to appointment by Board of Health of 

medical inspectors for schools. (S. D. 19 of 1891, p. 27; S. M. 

of 1891, p. 301.) 
Elaborate report on Physical Training. (S. D. 22 of 1891; see 

also S. D. 8 of 1894.) 
Opinion of Corporation Counsel that the Normal School was 

for girls only and that men could not be admitted. (S. D. 19 

of 1891, p. 10.) 
1892. — Investigation and elaborate report as to proper seating of pupils 

and as to the injurious effect of unsuitable school furniture. 

(S. D. 9 of 1892; see also S. D. 8 of 1894, p. 108; S. D. 4 of 

1895, p. 169.) 
Course in Normal School extended to two years. (S. M. of 

1892, p. 189.) 

1893. — Truant officers placed under Civil Service law. (Acts of 1893, 
Chap. 253.) 
Mechanic Arts High School estabhshed. (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 54.) 
Cities and towns maintaining free evening schools authorized to 
provide lectures on natural sciences, history and kindred sub- 
jects. (Acts of 1893, Chap. 208.) 
Omission of, and substitute plan for, diploma examinations, and for 
promotions from primary to grammar schools. (S. M. of 1893, 
pp. 291, 331; S. D. 15 of 1895, p. 13; S. M. of 1895, p. 353.) 
1894. — Manual Training in high schools made compulsory by law after 
September 1, 1895, in cities of 20,000 or more inhabitants, 
the course of instruction to "be subject to the approval of the 
State Board of Education." (Acts of 1894, Chap. 471.) 



19 

1894. — Instruction in cooking authorized (although Boston had schools 
of cookery since 1886), and the requirement as to instruction "in 
the elementary use of hand tools" changed to "the use of 
tools." Tools, implements and materials required to be loaned 
to pupils free of charge. (Acts of 1894, Chap. 320.) 
Vivisection in pubHc schools prohibited in the presence of any 
scholar, child or minor. (Acts of 1894, Chap. 151.) 

Compulsory school law amended in certain details. (Acts of 
1894, Chap. 188.) Law as to compulsory attendance and 
truancy codified. (Acts of 1894, Chap. 498.) 

Medical Visitors (Inspectors) for the schools estabUshed by the 
Board of Health. (S. D. 4 of 1895, p. 76; S. D. 4 of 1900, 
p. 38.) 

Special committee appointed to consider giving the Superintendent 
and Board of Supervisors greater power and responsibility 
reported in favor thereof (S. D. 7 of 1894), and their recom- 
mendations were adopted; but real power continued in sub-com- 
mittees. (S. M. of 1894, pp. 199 to 207; S. D. 19 of 1894, p. 10; 
S. D. 4 of 1896, p. 86.) 

Report on secondary education by Committee of Ten of the 
National Educational Association (of which President Eliot 
was chairman) considered by Superintendent Seaver, in the course 
of which he discussed the regrading of classes "in such a way 
as to give eight years or grades below the high school." 
(S. D. 4 of 1894, pp. 5, 12, 28 and 29; see also S. D. 19 of 1894, 
p. 18; S. D. 4 of 1896, p. 46.) 

Departmental instruction in grammar schools authorized. 
(S. D. 20 of 1893; S. M. of 1894, p. 47; S. D. 19 of 1894, p. 15; 
S. D. 5 of 1897, p. 47; S. D. 4 of 1900, p. 17.) 

Experiment authorized of parallel courses of study of four and 
six years in grammar schools. (S. D. 19 of 1894, p. 16; S. D. 
4 of 1895, p. 27.) 

1895. — Foreign flags forbidden on outside of schools (Acts of 1895, Chap. 

115) and United States flag required to be provided for each 

schooUiOuse. (Acts of 1895, Chap. 181.) 
School Committee given full power to erect and furnish school 

buildings; Street Commissioners to take land at request of School 

Committee; bonds authorized. (Acts of 1895, Chap. 408.) 
Latin, French, algebra and geometry, and other "enrichment 

studies" introduced in certain grammar schools experimentally. 

(S. D. 4 of 1895, p. 37; S. D. 4 of 1896, p. 41; S. D. 5 of 1897, 

p. 42.) 
Position of Director of Kindergartens estabhshed. (S. M. of 

1894, p. 348.) 
Parental School for truants estabhshed in West Roxbury (under 

Acts of 1886, Chap. 282) after many efforts by the School 

Committee to secure action by City Council, under jurisdiction 

of directors of public institutions (now Children's Institutions 

Department), subject to visitation by School Committee. 

(S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 85.) 



20 

1896. — Supervision of drawing in day schools restored, and a staff of 
assistants to the Director appointed. (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 100.) 
Transfer of Normal School to State considered, and defeated. 
(S. M. of 1896, p. 523; S. D. 5 of 1897, p. 16.) 

1897. — Additional loans authorized, of which not less than $500,000 to 

be used for new high school buildings in East Boston, South 

Boston, West Roxbury and Dorchester. (Acts of 1897, Chap. 

442.) 
Board of Supervisors report in favor of a Girls' High School of 

Practical Arts. (S. D. 10 of 1897.) 
Commercial courses in high schools authorized but not introduced 

until 1898. (S. D. 19 of 1897, p. 30; S. D. 15 of 1898, p. 18.) 
Rules amended giving to the Board of Supervisors (instead of to 

the sub-committees) the initiative in the appointment of 

teachers. (S. D. 19 of 1897, p. 26 et seq.) 

1898. — School Committee given power (formerly in City Council) to 
make appropriations from tax rate within prescribed limits for 
the support of the public schools, including repairs and altera- 
tions upon school buildings. (Acts of 1898, Chap. 400.) 

Important changes in rules givi'ng Superintendent and Supervisors 
greater power, and reducing the powers of sub-committees; 
the appointment, transfer and removal of teachers being given 
to the Superintendent, subject to the approval of the School 
Committee. Attempt made but failed to abolish sub-com- 
mittees. (S. D. 15 of 1898, p. 13; S. D. 11 of 1898.) 

Merit list established for the appointment of teachers from 
graduates of Normal School (S. D. 3 of 1899, p. 13), thus for 
the first time introducing the Civil Service idea in the appoint- 
ment of teachers. (S. D. 4 of 1900, p. 13.) 

School Committee voted in May to discontinue the Normal 
School in the hope that the State would take it over, but the 
popular protest was so great that in November the vote was 
rescinded. (S. M. of 1898, pp. 310, 574; S. D. 3 of 1903, 
p. 60.) 

Additional loans for liigh and Latin schools authorized. (Acts 
of 1898, Chap. 149.) 

Law as to school attendance and truancy amended and codified. 
Compulsory age limit "between seven and fourteen." A child 
need not be vaccinated upon certificate of a practicing physician 
that such cliild is an unfit subject therefor. Measles added to 
list of contagious diseases. (Acts of 1898, Chap. 496.) 

Manual Training made compulsory in both elementary and 
high schools. (Acts of 1898, Chap. 496, Sect. 4.) 

Evening schools required to teach the English language and 
grammar, industrial drawing, both freehand and mechanical, 
physiology and hygiene, in addition to previously required 
subjects. {Id., Sect. 5.) 

1899. — School Committee given full power over repairs and erection of 
new buildings. (Acts of 1899, Chap. 362.) 



21 

1899. — The attempt to abolish sub-committees having failed, they suc- 
ceeded in obtaining an amendment to the rules restoring their 
power, and giving them a practical veto over all appointments, 
transfers and removals of teachers in their respective districts, 
thus partially overthrowing the reforms of the previous year. 
(S. M. of 1899, p. 300.) 
First appropriation for playgrounds. (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 122.) 
Erection of Normal School building authorized (Acts of 1899, 
Chap. 239), but subsequently repealed. (Acts of 1901, Chap. 
473, Sect. 8.) 
Special classes for mentally deficient children estabhshed. 
(S. D. 4 of 1900, p. 51.) 

1900. — Lectures on natural sciences, history and kindred subjects author- 
ized. (Acts of 1900, Chap. 166.) 

School teachers' retirement fund established. (Acts of 1900, 
Chap. 237; S. D. 19 of 1900, p. 8.) 

Portable schoolhouses built to relieve temporary congestion of 
pupils in different sections of the city. (S. D. 19 of 1900, 
p. 26.) 

Vacation Schools established for the first time under authority 
of Acts of 1899, Chap. 246. (S. D. 15 of 1900; S. D. 15 of 
1902, p. 25.) 

Elaborate report by Health Department (S. D. 6 of 1900) showing 
sanitary needs, and by Fire Department (S. D. 16 of 1900) 
showing fire protection needs for schools. 

Quota of pupils to teachers reduced from 56 to 50 in grammar 
classes and two primary grades, and to 42 in the first primary 
grade. (S. D. 19 of 1900, p. 13; S. D. 3 of 1900, p. 7; S. D. 
4 of 1900, p. 23; S. M. of 1900, p. 265.) 

A corps of paid substitutes established to fill temporary vacancies 
in teaching force. (S. D. 19 of 1900, p. 14; S. D. 4 of 1900, 
p. 26.) 

Reduction of grades in elementary schools from nine to eight 
recommended by Superintendent and Board of Supervisors 
(S. D. 3 of 1900, p. 19), and School Committee voted to instruct 
Board of Supervisors to prepare revised course providing 
for eight grades instead of nine. (S. M. of 1900, p. 244; S. D. 
4 of 1900, p. 36.) 

1901. — Schoolhouse Department established; loans of $1,000,000 annually 
for four years for new buildings, etc., authorized (Acts of 1901, 
Chap. 473), and School Committee given authority to appro- 
priate annually from the tax rate 40 cents upon each $1,000 of 
taxable valuation for new schools. (Acts of 1901, Chap. 448.) 
Additional loan of $300,000 authorized to complete buildings 
then being erected. (Acts of 1901, Chap. 288.) 
South Boston High School established (S. D. 3 of 1903, p. 52) 
and new high school buildings opened in Dorchester, East 
Boston and West Roxbury. (S. D. 15 of 1901, p. 18.) 



22 

1901. — Elective system for studies in high schools adopted. (S. D. 3 
of 1901, p. 7 et seq.; S. D. 15 of 1901, p. 15.) 

Experiment in school gardening conducted in connection with 
Normal School. (S. D. 11 of 1901, p. 5.) 

Office of Schoolhouse Custodian established. (S. D. 15 of 1901, 
p. 16.) 

Free evening lectures given under provisions of Acts of 1893, 
Chap. 208, and Acts of 1900, Chap. 166. (S. D. 15 of 1902, 
p. 32; S. D. 13 of 1903; S. D. 13 of 1904, p. 25.) 

1902. — Petition to Legislature for authority to estabhsh a Teachers' 
College in place of Normal School — Legislature gave leave to 
withdraw. (S. D. 3 of 1902, p. 12; S. D. 14 of 1903, p. 11.) 

Unsuccessful attempt made to increase the course in the Normal 
School to three years. (S. M. of 1902, p. 507.) 

Increased loans for new buildings authorized. (Acts of 1902, 
Chap. 386.) 

Rules amended taking away power of sub-committees over appoint- 
ments, transfers and removals of teachers, and requiring that 
the same be made by the Superintendent direct to the School 
Committee. (S. M. of 1902, p. 94.) 

Appropriation from taxes for new buildings vetoed by Mayor. 
Later $90,000 appropriated for that purpose and approved by 
Mayor. (S. D. 15 of 1902, p. 50.) 

The subject of the extended use of school buildings considered, and 
Educational Centres established (since merged in evening 
schools). (S. D. 15 of 1902, p. 17; S. D. 13 of 1904, p. 45; 
S. D. 7 of 1908, p. 54.) 

Resolution adopted that sex should not be a bar to promotion in 
the teaching force, and that in any appointment to a position 
as principal of a girls' school, a woman, other things being equal, 
should be preferred. (S. D. 15 of 1902, p. 40; S. M. of 1902, 
p. 179.) 

Power to license minors under 14 vested in Boston School Com- 
mittee. (Acts of 1902, Chap. 531.) Rules provide that the 
minimum age for licensees shall be over 10. (S. M. of 1902, 
p. 462.) 

A system of promotion of janitors for merit established. (S. D. 
14 of 1903, p. 16.) 

1903. — Appropriation of $60,000 authorized for maintenance of schools, 
out of "40 cents" fund. (Acts of 1903, Chap. 170.) 

Valuable historical review of the Boston school system by Super- 
intendent Seaver. (S. D. 3 of 1903.) 

Report of the Committee on Extended Use of School Buildings, 
with an account of Educational Centres and Vacation Schools. 
(S. D. 9 of 1903.) 

Uniform schedule of janitors' salaries adopted. (S. D. 11 of 
1903; S. M. of 1903, p. 522.) 

1904. — School Committee authorized to expend money for exhibition 
at any national, state or foreign exposition. (Acts of 1904, 
Chap. 172.) 



23 

1904 — Admission of men to Normal School authorized (Acts of 1904, 
Chap. 212) and entrance to the Normal School made more 
difficult, through examinations, in the hope of securing better 
teachers. (S. D. 9 of 1906, p. 12.) 
The change from nine to eight grades below the high schools 
further considered. Superintendent Seaver said "the present 
opposition to a change is nothing more than a disinclination 
to change working habits. The waste of time that affects the 
course of very many of the abler pupils and the dawdling habits 
thereby engendered call for some effectual remedy." (S. D. 3 
of 1904, pp. 48, 50, 73.) 
Industrial education in elementary schools, introduced experi- 
mentally in Winthrop School. (S. D. 10 of 1910, p. 56.) 
George H. Conley elected Superintendent. (S. M. of 1904, 

p. 302.) 
Power of sub-committees over appointments, transfers ana 
removals of teachers partially restored, the rules being amended 
to require that the same be first submitted to said committees, 
who are required, however, to report to the School Committee 
not later than one month thereafter. (S. M. of 1904, pp. 143, 
173; S. D. 13 of 1904, p. 13.) 
Elaborate report by Director of Drawing on the Evening Drawing 
Schools, their needs, possibihties of extension, and value in 
industrial training. (S. D. 3 of 1905.) 
1905.— Compulsory school age raised to "under 16" where child cannot 
read and write English. (Acts of 1905, Chap. 320.) 
Lincoln Day to be observed with appropriate exercises in the 

pubhc schools. (Acts of 1905, Chap. 328.) 
State released to city land on Newbury street, occupied by 
Horace Mann School, the proceads, if sold, to be used for another 
site for the School for the Deaf. (Acts of 1905, Chap. 467.) 
Further loan authorized for new buildings. (Acts of 1905, Chap. 

392.) . . 

Permission given to certain private charitable organizations to 
place trained nurses in certain schools without expense to the 
city, an experiment which led to the legislation as to nurses m 
1907. (S. D. 17 of 1906, p. 51.) 

Plans for Commercial High School adopted. (S. D. 4 of 1905; 
S. M. of 1905, p. 224.) 

Walter S. Parker Acting Superintendent after Mr. Conley s death 
in December. (S. D. 9 of 1906, p. 8.) 

School Committee reorganized and membership reduced to five 
(beginning January, 1906); elected at large. (Acts of 1905, 
Chap. 349.) 
1906.— Board of Superintendents estabhshed (in place of Board of Super- 
visors), to consist of Superintendent and six assistant Super- 
intendents, elected by School Committee for terms of one to six 
years, one assistant superintendent to be elected annually, after 
first election for six years. (Acts of 1906, Chap. 231.) 

Stratton D. Brooks elected Superintendent for term of six years. 
(S. M. of 1906, p. 162.) 



24 

1906. — Rules and regulations revised, leaving details of administration 
to be performed by paid officials, with executive responsibility, 
while the duties of the School Board became mainly legislative. 
(S. D. 9 of 1906, p. 10.) The principle of direct accountability 
on the part of subordinates to superiors established. (S. D. 
17 of 1906, p. 20.) System of sub-committees abolished. 
(S. D. 17 of 1905, p. 12.) 

Office of Business Agent established and Auditor, Business Agent 
and Secretary elected on tenure. (Acts of 1906, Chap. 318.) 

Board of Sale of school land and buildings established, consisting 
of the Mayor, School Committee and Schoolhouse Commission. 
(Acts of 1906, Chap. 259.) 

Independent Industrial Schools authorized, the State to bear one- 
fifth, later increased to one-half the cost. (Acts of 1906, 
Chap. 505; Acts of 1909, Chap. 540.) 

School athletics placed in charge of School Committee. (Acts 
of 1906, Chap. 251.) 

Law amended so that physical or mental condition capable of 
correction no excuse, unless all reasonable measures are employed 
to correct the same, for a child's nonattendance at school. 
(Acts of 1906, Chap. 383.) 

Appointment of School Physicians required by law, but not 
applicable to Boston where Board of Health maintains them. 
Every child in the public schools to be tested by teachers at least 
once a year for defective sight or hearing or other disability 
tending to prevent its receiving full benefit of school work. 
(Acts of 1906, Chap. 502.) 

Ground for temporary exclusion of pupils from school extended to 
exposure to any infectious or contagious disease. (Acts of 
1906, Chap. 371.) 

Boston Juvenile Court established. (Acts of 1906, Chap. 489.) 

Under the new Board the following measures for improving the 
school service undertaken or accomplished (see Superintendent's 
Report, S; D. 9 of 1906, and Annual School Report, S. D. 17 
of 1906) : 

(1) Merit system of appointing teachers through a Civil Service 
system greatly strengthened. 

(2) Change of requirements for teachers' certificates to secure 
teachers skilled in departmental work. 

(3) System established of supervising and training teachers 
while serving as substitutes. Supervisor of Substitutes 
appointed. 

(4) Pi'omotional examinations or tests of efficiency required 
of teachers. 

(5) A system established of leave of absence on half pay for 
purposes of study and travel to teachers who have served seven 
years, and leave of absence for rest after twenty years of 
service. 



25 

1906. — (6) Heads of departments established in high and Latin schools 
to secure uniformity of aim and greater effectiveness in teach- 
ing departmental subjects. 

(7) Establishment of High School of Commerce. 

(8) Revision of high school course of study, restricting some- 
what the freedom of electives, and establishing certain required 
subjects. A full four years, or its equivalent, required to secure 
a diploma. 

(9) Revision of Evening High School course of study to encourage 
pupils to pursue a regular course of serious work with final 
graduation in four years. 

(10) Elimination of distinction between primary and grammar 
schools; both thereafter treated as elementary schools as dis- 
tinguished from the high or secondary schools. 

(11) Substitution of eight for nine grades in the elementary 
schools. 

(12) Reorganization of manual training for girls, and appoint- 
ment of a Supervisor of Household Science and Arts to have 
charge of cookery and semng. 

(13) Establishment of disciplinary classes for boys who might 
otherwise be sent to the Parental School. 

(14) Election of a medical inspector for special classes. 

(15) Uniting of drawing and manual training into one depart- 
ment, under one director. 

(16) Evening and Vacation Schools united under one director. 

(17) Evening class in salesmanship previously maintained at 
private expense taken into the school system. 

(18) Appointment of Advisory Committee of Phj^sicians to 
consider various health problems. 

1907. — Power of School Committee in respect to physical education 
enlarged; special appropriations from tax rate (two cents for 
1907 and four cents annually thereafter upon each $1,000 
of taxable valuation) authorized for physical education and 
playgrounds, etc. (Acts of 1907, Chap. 295.) 

School nurses authorized, with special appropriation from tax 
rate not exceeding $10,000 for 1907 and thereafter each year 
of 2 cents upon each $1,000 of taxable valuation. (Acts of 1907, 
Chap. 357.) 

Physician's certificate to exempt child from vaccination must be 
"for cause stated therein." (Acts of 1907, Chap. 215.) 

School Committee required each year to designate where addi- 
tional school accommodations are necessary, and order in 
which they shall be provided; annual issue of bonds for new 
school buildings authorized. (Acts of 1907, Chap. 450.) 

The following measures were begun or accompUshed (see 
Superintendent's Report, S. D. 13 of 1907, and Annual School 
Report, S. D. 16 of 1907) : 

(1) Larger co-operation of the teaching force in determining 
educational policies. 



26 

1907. — (2) Readjustment of the high schools to the new system of eight 
grades in the elementary schools. A committee of conference 
known as the Committee on Betterment appointed for this pur- 
pose, consisting of the Superintendent and representatives of 
the Board of Superintendents, high and elementary school prin- 
cipals and teachers. 

(3) Revision of course of study for elementary schools to meet 
the change in number of grades, prepared with the assistance of 
special committees consisting of one or more assistant Superin- 
tendents, Directors, principals and teachers. 

(4) Reduction of quota of pupils in elementary schools to 48 in 
1907, 46 in 1908, and thereafter 44. 

(5) Reorganization of the Department of Physical Training as 
a Department of School Hygiene under a Director of Hygiene; 
school athletics placed under this department. 

(6) System of training teachers strengthened by appointment 
of a Supervisor of Practice in the Normal School. 

(7) High School of Practical Arts for Girls established. 

(8) Industrial education extended in elementary schools through 
experiment in Hancock and Agassiz schools and continued in 
Winthrop School. 

(9) Appointment of special advisory committees of laymen on 
various school subjects, notably the Committee for the High 
School of Commerce. 

(10) Appointment of committee of teachers known as the Com- 
mittee on College Credit to consider the opportunities for col- 
legiate instruction open to teachers of Boston and vicinity. 

(11) Extension of schedule of janitors' salaries to include high 
schools. 

1908. — Pensions (maximum $180 per year) for members of the teaching or 

supervising staff required with special appropriations from tax 

rate of 5 cents annually on each $1,000 of taxable valuation. (Acts 

of 1908, Chap. 589.) Accepted by City Council June 22, 1908. 

Instruction required by law to be given as to tuberculosis and its 

prevention. (Acts of 1908, Chap. 181.) 
Provisions as to fire escapes. (Acts of 1908, Chap. 524.) 
The following measures were begun or accomplished (see Super- 
intendent's Report, S. D. 7 of 1908, and Annual School Report, 
S. D. 8 of 1908) : 

(1) Codification of teachers' certificate privileges, and list pre- 
pared of teachers arranged as to their eligibility for promotion. 

(2) Teacher assigned to open-air class for tuberculous children 
on Parker Hill; later transferred to Refectory Building. Franklin 
Park. 

(3) Teachers of sewing for the first time appointed on tenure, 
and the work reorganized under the Supervisor of Household 
Science and Arts. 

(4) Departmental organization of the high schools completed 
by appointment of women as heads of departments with the 
rank of first assistants. 



27 

1908. — (5) Establishment of High School Councils, one for each depart- 
ment, consisting of the heads of departments of the various 
high schools, each school having one vote, to consider the 
important problems of courses of instruction, text-books, sup- 
plementary material and kindred subjects. 

(6) Clerical assistants authorized in Latin and high schools 
to relieve principals from clerical work. 

(7) Last year of the Vacation Schools, which this year in part 
and thereafter wholly were merged into the Summer Play- 
grounds. 

(8) Committees of school principals established to advise Super- 
intendent as to plans for new buildings. 

(9) Exchange of teachers with Prussia arranged through the 
Carnegie foundation. 

(10) Board of Apportionment established consisting of Board 
of Superintendents, Business Agent and Auditor. 

(11) Rule established under which teachers retire at seventy 
years of age, and maximum age limit for new teachers placed 
at forty. 

(12) Martin District organized as a model school for the pupils 
of the Normal School, with one of the Normal School teachers 
(Director of the Model School) as principal. 

(13) One of the truant officers made Supervisor of Licensed 
Minors. 

(14) Extension of term of evening schools for foreign-born 
pupils. 

(15) Keeping of records in and making report by evening schools 
systematized. 

(16) System of accounts adopted by the Business Agent to show 
the cost of each unit of the school system. 

1909. — Appropriations allowed School Committee from the tax levy 
for general school purposes increased from $2.75 to $2.85 upon 
each $1,000 of taxable valuation in 1909-10, .$2.95 in 1910-11, 
and $3.05 in 1911-12; each in addition to 25 cents for the 
repair fund, 40 cents for the new buildings fund, 4 cents for 
physical education, 2 cents for nurses, and 5 cents for pensions, 
upon each $1,000. (Acts of 1909, Chap. 388.) 

School Committee given authority over secret (except religious) 
organizations of pupils. (Acts of 1909, Chap. 120.) 

Display of United States flag on or in schools made compulsory. 
(Acts of 1909, Chap. 229.) 

Loans authorized for High School of Commerce and administra- 
tion building. (Acts of 1909, Chap. 446.) 

Pensions for teachers — maximum pension $180. (Acts of 1909, 
Chap. 537.) Not accepted by School Committee, and repealed 
by Acts of 1910, Chap. 617. 

The foUouang measures were undertaken or completed (see 
Superintendent's Report, S. D. 13 of 1909, and Annual School 
Report, S. D. 15 of 1909): 



28 

1909. — (1) Trade School for Girls established, under provisions of 
Acts of 1906, Chap. 505, and Acts of 1909, Chap. 540, to be 
conducted by School Committee as agent of Board of Educa- 
tion, the State bearing part of the cost, the object of the school 
being to give a trade training to girls between fourteen and 
eighteen who are obliged to become wage earners. 

(2) Summer High School opened in the Roxbury High School 
for those wishing to make up conditions, those preparing for 
college admission examinations and for admission to high 
schools. 

(3) A committee on vocational advice appointed. 

(4) Evening industrial schools take place of evening drawing 
schools, conducted by School Committee as agent of Board of 
Education, the State bearing part of the cost (under Acts of 
1906, Chap. 505, and Acts of 1909, Chap. 540). 

(5) Further experiments of an industrial character in the ele- 
mentary schools introduced in the Eliot School, Washington 
Allston School, Lyman School, Oliver Wendell Holmes District, 
Quincy District and in the Horace Mann School. 

(6) Pre-Apprentice School for Printing and Bookbinding estab- 
lished in East Boston. 

(7) Experimental health or open-air rooms established. 

(8) Manual for public school playgrounds issued and greater 
activity and system with respect to physical training. Pro- 
visional courses in physical education adopted both for the 
elementary and high schools. Weighing scales and measuring 
rods purchased to take records of each child's weight and height. 

(9) Health Day observed in the schools and annual Health Day 
established. 

1910. — New act passed providing annual pensions for members of the 
teaching and supervising staff retired under its provisions — 
minimum, after 30 years' service, $312; maximum, 1600; also 
pensions of not less than $180 for not less than sixty annuitants 
of Teachers' Retirement Fund and other teachers described in 
the act. (Acts of 1910, Chap. 617.) 

Instruction to be given in "thrift" authorized. (Acts of 1910, 
Chap. 524.) 

Requirements as to military drill modified, exempting a pupil 
if his parent or guardian is of a religious denomination con- 
scientiously opposed to bearing arms, or is conscientiously 
scrupulous of bearing arms; or upon certificate from a physician 
of good standing that it would be injurious to the pupil's health. 
(Acts of 1910, Chap. 201.) 

The following measures have been established or considered: 

(1) Teachers' council on pensions organized. 

(2) Continuation schools established, wherein persons employed 
may receive part time instruction that will be of immediate 
assistance in their daily work. Title of Director of Evening 
and Vacation Schools changed to Director of Evening and 
Continuation Schools. 



29 

1910. — (3) New system of penmanship introduced. 

(4) Minimum age limit for admission to kindergartens raised to 
four years. 

(5) Clerical High School estabhshed by order passed February 7, 
1910, to begin on July 11, 1910; order rescinded because of 
lack of funds June 6, 1910. 

(6) Newsboys' Trial Board estabhshed consisting of two adults 
appointed by School Committee and three licensed newsboys 
elected by their fellows. 

(7) Trial Board for Janitors established, consisting of the Secre- 
tary of the School Committee, the Business Agent, and a school 
janitor elected by his associates, to secure a careful investigation 
of complaints made against janitors, engineers or matrons. 

(8) Appropriation from, annual taxes for new school buildings 
passed over Mayor's veto. 

1911. — Savings banks authorized with consent of and under regulations 
approved by School Committee and Bank Commissioner to 
receive deposits from school children tlirough the principal or 
teachers or by collectors. (Acts of 1911, Chap. 211.) 

Penalty for failure to display United States flag on schoolhouses. 
(Acts of 1911, Chap. 232.) 

School committees authorized to expend money for the super- 
vision of sports and the equipment thereof. (Acts of 1911 
Chap. 314.) 

School committees authorized to grant use of school halls for 
public or educational purposes which will not interfere with 
regular school work. (Acts of 1911, Chap. 367.) Not yet 
accepted by the Boston City Council. 

"imterate minor" defined by statute (for compulsory attendance 
at evening school) to mean an illiterate under the age of 
twenty-one years. (Acts of 1911, Chap. 241.) 

Instruction authorized in the application of surgical remedies 
and first aid for the injured. (Acts of 1911, Chap. 247.) 

School Committee authorized to appropriate an additional 10 
cents in the year 1912, 20 cents in the year 1913, and thereafter 
annually 25 cents upon each $1000 of taxable valuation, to be 
used wholly for the purpose of increasing salaries of teachers. 
(Acts of 1911, Chap. 708.) 

The following measures were begun or accomplished : 

(1) Establishment of the following new schools: 

a. Boston Industrial School for Boys (taking over the 

Pre-Apprentice School for Printing and Bookbindmg). 

b. Evening Trade School. 

c. Girls' Evening High School. 

d. Continuation School class in household arts as a State- 

aided school. 

(2) Assumption by the School Committee of the financial con- 
trol of all school athletics. 



30 

1911. — (3) Enlargement of the truant officers' force and the special 
assignment of one truant officer to the enforcement of the laws 
pertaining to evening school attendance. 

(4) Adoption of a regulation requiring a small deposit for admis- 
sion to evening high and industrial schools of persons not 
required by law to attend such schools, under Acts of 1911, 
Chap. 309. 

(5) Appointment of a permanent force of playground teachers. 

(6) Establishment of additional open-air classes in elementary 
schools. 

(7) Removal of old and unauthorized text-books from the schools 
systematically begun. 

(8) Adoption of a per capita plan of distribution of supplies 
and text-books in the schools. 



31 



INDEX. 



Page 

Absence, leave of, for teachers 18, 24 

Administration Building 27 

Adults, schools for 9, 11, 13, 15, 28 

Advisory committees 25, 26 

African children, schools for 6 

Agassiz School 26 

Age limit for minors' licenses 22 

Age hmit for pupils 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 23, 29 

Age limit for teachers 27 

Agriculture 12 

Alcoholic drinks 16 

Aldermen 7 

Algebra 7, 11, 19 

Annual reports by School Committee 9 

Apparatus, free 16 

Apportionment, Board of 27 

Appropriations 6, 11, 12, 13, 17, 20, 22, 25, 26, 27, 29 

Arithmetic 6, 9, 15 

Astronomy 11 

Athletics 24, 26, 29 

Attendance at school 10, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 29 

Auditing clerk 14 

Auditor 24, 27 

Behavior 6, 15 

Betterment, committee on 26 

Bible reading 11, 12, 14 

Bishop, Nathan 10 

Blackboards 8 

Board of Apportionment 27 

Board of Education, State 9, 12, 18, 28 

Board of Health 18, 19, 21, 24 

Board of Sale 24 

Board of Superintendents 23, 26, 27 

Board of Supervisors 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23 

Bonds 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27 

Book-keeping 7 

Books 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 30 

Boston Industrial School for Boys 29 

Boston Juvenile Court 24 

Botany 11 

Brighton, annexation of 13 

Brighton High School '. 9, 13 



32 

Page 

Brooks, Stratton D 23 

Buildings, school 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29 

Business agent 24, 27 

Calisthenics 15 

Carpentry 15, 16 

Certificates for teachers 5, 7, 12, 14, 24, 26 

Chairs 11 

Charlestown, annexation of 13 

Charlestown High School 10, 13 

Chemistry 11 

Children's Institutions Department ; 19 

Cliildren, mentally deficient 21 

Children's savings 29 

Children, testing sight, hearing, etc ■ 24 

City Council 9, 13, 17, 19, 20, 29 

City medals for girls 7 

Civil polity 11 

Civil service 17, 18, 20, 24 

Classes, size of 15, 17, 18, 21, 26 

Clerical assistants 27 

Clerical High School 29 

Coeducation 8, 12, 18 

College credit, committee on 26 

Color, distinction on account of, forbidden 11 

Colored children 6, 9, 1 1 

Commerce, High School of 23, 25, 26, 27 

Commercial courses 20 

Committees, advisory 25, 26 

Committee of Ten, report of 19 

Common Council 8, 10 

Common schools, beginning of 5 

Compulsory school attendance 10, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 29 

Conferences, teachers' 26 

Conley, George H 23 

Conservatism, instance of 8 

Constitutional amendment 11 

Contagious diseases 16, 20, 24 

Continuation schools 28, 29 

Cookery 17, 19, 25 

Corporal punishment 12 

Councils, teachers' 25, 27, 28 

Current expenses paid by loan 6 

Custodian, Schoolhouse 22 

Deaf, Horace Mann School for 13, 16, 18, 23, 28 

Deare Island _ 5 

Deer Island 17 

Defective sight or hearing, testing of 24 

Departmental instruction 19, 24, 25, 26 

Departments, heads of 25, 26 

Desks 11 



33 

Page 

Dictionaries 10 

Diplomas 7, 13, 18, 25 

Diphtheria 16 

Disciphnary classes 25 

Dorchester, annexation of 13 

Dorchester High School 10, 13, 20, 21 

Double-headed system 6, 8 

Drawing 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 20, 23, 25, 28 

Drawing, director of, report 23 

Drill, military 12, 15, 28 

Dwight School, carpenter's class in 15 

East Boston High School 14, 20, 21 

Education, State Board of 9, 12, 18, 28 

Educational Centres 22 

Elective studies 22, 25 

Elementary schools 5, 20, 23, 25, 26 

Eliot, Charles W., President 19 

Eliot High School 10 

Eliot, Samuel 14 

Eliot School 16, 28 

Engineers 17, 29 

Enghsh 5, 6, 9, 11, 20, 23 

English Classical School 7 

English High School 7, 8, 9 

Evening drawing schools 13, 23, 28 

Evening high schools 13, 17, 25, 29, 30 

Evening industrial schools 13, 28 

Evening schools 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 

Evening Trade School 29 

Everett School 17 

Examination papers of 1845 9 

Examinations for diplomas 18 

Examinations of teachers 7, 12, 14, 24 

Exhibitions, appropriations for, authorized 22 

Extended use of school buildings 22, 29 

Fire protection needs 21, 26 

First public school 5 

Flags 19, 27, 29 

Foreign-born pupils, evening schools for 27 

Franklin medals 6 

Franklin School 17 

Free text-books 7, 10, 16 

French 11, 19 

Furniture 11,18 

Gardening 22 

Geography 6, 9, 15 

Geology 11 

Geometry 7, 19 

Girls, city medals for 7 

Girls' Evening High School 29 



34 



Girls, first admitted to schools 6 

Girls' High and Normal School 10, 13 

Girls' High School 7, 8, 10, 11, 13 

Girls' High School of Practical Arts. . . .- 20, 26 

Girls' Latin School 14 

Girls, trade school for • 28 

Globes 8 

Grades, beginning of system of nine 13 

Grades, reduction from nine 19, 21, 23, 25, 26 

Grammar 5, 6, 9, 20 

Grammar masters 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15 

Grammar schools 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 25 

Greek 6 

Gymnastics 10, 15 

Hancock School 16, 26 

Hand tools 16, 18, 19 

Harvard College 5,7 

Health Day 28 

Health Department 18, 19, 21, 24 

Hearing, defective, testing for 24 

High schools 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30 

High school councils 26 

High schools, suburban, abolition proposed 15 

Historical review of schools 22 

History : 7, 11, 15, 18, 21 

Holidays 17 

Horace Mann School 13, 16, 18, 23, 28 

Household science and arts 25, 26, 29 

Household science and arts, supervisor of 25, 26 

Hyde School 17 

Hygiene 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 26 

Hygiene, director of 26 

Hygiene, instructor in 15, 16, 18 

Illiterate children 7 

Illiterate minor 29 

Independent industrial schools 24, 28, 29 

Industrial education 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 23, 24, 26, 28, 29, 30 

Infant schools 8 

Injured, first aid to, instruction in 29 

Institute of Technology 7 

Intellectual science 11 

Intermediate schools 7, 9, 14 

Janitors 13, 17, 22, 26, 29 

Juvenile Court 24 

Kindergartens 8, 13, 14, 17, 19, 29 

Knitting 7 

Latin 5, 6, 19 

Latin schools 5, 14, 20, 24, 25, 26 

Leave of absence for teachers 18, 24 

Lectures 12, 18, 21, 22 



35 

Page 

Licensed minors 12, 14, 17, 22, 27 

Lincoln Day 23 

Loans 6, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27 

Logic 7 

Long Island 5 

Lyman School 28 

Mann, Horace 9 

Manual training 16, 18, 20, 25 

Maps 8 

Martin District, model school 27 

Matrons 29 

Mayor. 7, 8, 10, 16, 22, 24 

Measles 20 

Measuring rods 28 

Mechanic Arts High School 14, 16, 17, 18 

Medals 6,7 

Medical inspectors 14, 15, 18, 19, 24, 25 

Medical inspector for special classes 25 

Memorial Day 18 

Mentally deficient children, classes for 21 

Merit system 20, 22, 24 

Mihtary drill 12, 25, 28 

Model school 27 

Moral science 11 

Music 8, 9, 11 

Music, director of 11 

National Educational Association 19 

Natural philosophy 11 

Natural sciences 18, 21 

Nautical schools 14 

Newsboys' trial board 29 

Nonresident pupils 11 

Nonsectarianism 7, 11, 12, 14 

Normal School 10, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26 

North End Industrial Home 16 

Nurses 23, 25, 27 

Oliver Wendell Holmes District 28 

Open-air classes 26, 28, 30 

Orthography 6, 15 

Parallel courses of study -. . . . 19 

Parental School ■ 17, 19, 25 

Parker, Walter S 23 

Pencils 8 

Penmanship 29 

Pensions 14, 26, 27, 28 

Philbrick, John D 10, 11 

Physical training 8, 10, 12, 17, 18, 25, 26, 28 

Physical training, director of 18 

Physicians, school 24 

Physiology 10, 16, 20 



36 



Playgrounds 21, 25, 27, 28, 30 

Political economy 11 

Portable schoolhouses 21 

Practical Arts, Girls' High School of 20, 26 

Practice, supervisor of 26 

Pre- Apprentice School 28, 29 

Primary schools 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 21, 25 

Primary school committee 7, 8, 9, 11 

Promotional examinations 24 

Promotions of teachers 24, 26 

Prussia, exchange with 26 

Pupils, number to a teacher 15, 17, 18, 21, 26 

Qualifications, teachers' certificate of 5, 7, 12, 14, 24 

Quincy School 10, 28 

Quota of pupils to teachers 15, 17, 18, 21, 26 

Race, distinction on account of, forbidden 11 

Reading 5, 6, 9, 15 

Recess, no, experiment 18 

Reference books, free 16 

Religion, distinction on account of, forbidden 11 

Religious instruction 6, 7, 11, 12, 14 

Reorganization of school sj^stem 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 20, 23 

Repairs, school 20 

Retirement fund 21, 28 

Retirement of teachers 27 

Rhetoric 7 

Roxbury, annexation of 13 

Roxbury High School 10, 12, 13 

Roxbury High School for Girls 11, 12 

Salaries paid from loans 6 

Salaries, special appropriation for 29 

Sale, Board of 24 

Salesmanship 25 

Sanitary needs 21 

Savings, children's 29 

Scarlet fever 16 

School buildings 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27 

School Committee 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18 

19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29 

School Committee incorporated 14 

School Committee, Primary 7, 8, 9, 11 

School halls, use of 29 

Schoolhouse custodian 22 

Schoolhouse Department 21, 24 

School physicians 24 

School system, reorganization of 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 20, 23 

Schools: 

continuation 28, 29 

elementary 5, 20, 23, 25, 26 

evening 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 



37 

Schools : Page 

grammar 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 25 

high 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30 

household science and arts 25, 29 

industrial 24, 28, 29 

infant 8 

intermediate 7, 9, 14 

kindergarten 8, 13, 14, 17, 19, 29 

Latin 5, 14, 20, 24, 25, 26 

Mechanic Arts 14, 16, 17, 18 

Normal 10, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26 

Practical Arts 20, 26 

Pre- Apprentice 28, 29 

primary 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 21, 25 

summer 28 

trade 14, 28, 29 

vacation 21, 22, 25, 26, 27 

writing 5, 6, 9, 15, 29 

Schools, sectarian, appropriations for, forbidden 11 

School supplies, free 16 

Science 11 

Seating of pupils 18 

Seaver, Edwin P 15, 16, 17, 19, 22, 23 

Secondary education, report on 19 

Secretary 14, 24 

Secret organizations 27 

Sectarianism 7, 11, 12, 14 

Sectarian schools, appropriations for, forbidden 11 

Selectmen 5,6,7 

Sewing 7, 9, 11, 14, 15, 25, 26 

Sex, not a bar to promotion 22 

Shaw, Chief Justice 8 

Sight, defective, testing for 24 

Singing 9 

Single desk and chair 11 

Single-headed system 8, 10 

Slates 8, 11 

Smallpox 16 

South Boston High School 20, 21 

Spectacle Island 5 

Spelling 6 

Sports, supervision of 29 

State Board of Education 9, 12, 18, 28 

Stationery 11, 14 

Street Commissioners 19 

Sub-committees 11, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 

Substitute teachers 16, 21, 24 

Substitutes, Supervisor of 24 

Suburban high schools, proposed abolition of 15 

Summer High School 28 

Sunday schools 6 



38 

Page 

Superfluous employee 10 

Superintendent 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27 

Superintendents : 

Nathan Bishop 10 

John D. Philbrick 11 

Samuel Eliot • 14 

Edwin P. Seaver 15 

George H. Conley 23 

Walter S. Parker (acting) 23 

Stratton D. Brooks 23 

Superintendents, Board of 23, 26, 27 

Superintendent of licensed minors 14, 17, 27 

Supervisors, Board of 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23 

Supplementary reading 15 

Supplies, per capita distribution of 30 

Surveying 7 

Tax limit for schools 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 29 

Teachers 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20 

21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 

Teachers' certificates 5, 7, 12, 14, 24, 26 

Teachers' college 22 

Teachers, exchange with Prussia 27 

Teachers' Mutual Benefit Association 17 

Teachers' retirement fund 21, 28 

Tennyson Street School 17 

Tenure for teachers, 17, 26 

Tenure for school officers 24 

Text-books 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 30 

Thrift 28 

Tools 16, 18, 19 

Trade schools 14, 28, 29 

Truant laws 10, 15, 19, 20 

Truant officers 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 30 

Trust, power to hold property in 14 

Tuberculosis 26 

Ungraded classes 17 

Unification of school system 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 19, 20, 24 

Unit costs 27 

United States history 11 

Vacations 17 

Vacation schools 21, 22, 25, 27 

Vaccination 11, 20, 25 

Veto, Mayor's 16, 22, 29 

Vivisection 19 

Vocational advice 28 

Voters, women 14 

Ward representation 7, 8, 10 

Washington Allston School 28 

Weighing scales 28 

Wells School 17 



39 

Page 

West Roxbury, annexation of 13 

West Roxbury High School 10, 13, 20, 21 

Winthrop School 16, 23, 26 

Women, heads of departments 26 

Women principals 22 

Women voters 14 

Writing 5, 6, 9, 15, 29 

Writing masters 5, 6, 8, 10 

Writing schools 5, 8, 9 



